Control apparatus for electrical systems



June 12, 1962 R. w. sPAFFoRD 3,039,029

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Original Filed Aug. ll, 1959 7Sheets-Sheet 1 June 12, 1962 R. w. sPAFFoRD CONTROL APPARATUS FORELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 1l, 1959 D 20,62moho: R. R w nl O O M22 S m61 M n., W E A V P Mm mmm @qll q ,V D n N S2v 532522 uqrum D mmm H n: 5.55 m Lwr P mwmm $235292 E2 1 lo M S528 2902R W Y B *lill v #5mt lo mi 2o @252:28 \Q \m Vm Fm ./N

June 12, 1962 R. w. sPAI-FORD 3,039,029

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Original Filed Aug. l1, 1959 '7Sheets-Sheet 5 n In\ E \I\ m ln i:

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June 12, 1962 R. w. SPAFFORD CONTROL APPARATUS EOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSOriginal Filed Aug. l1, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 EN: Nb

June 12, 1962 R. w. sPAFFoRD CONTROL APPARATUS ROR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS '7sheets-sheet 5 Original Filed Aug. 1l, 1959 EROE RLPH W. SPA FFORD June12, 1962 R. w. SPAFFORD 3,039,029

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Original Filed Aug. l1, 1959 7Sheets-Sheet 6 gk INVENTOR.

RALPH W. SHQFFORD BY f l WLMi/2h44 N C) o i June 12, 1962 R. w. SPAFFORD3,039,029

- CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Original Filed Aug. l1, -19597 Sheets-Sheet '7 n O o N o g ,S m v n w ro 9 g Q o o N E :le E E os nINVENTOR. RALPH W. SPAF FORD lOl Unired States Patent Oliiee 3,039,029Patented June 12, 1962 3,039,029 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALSYSTEMS Ralph W. Spaliord, 13 Marquette Place, Park Forest, Ill.,

assigner of one-hall:` to Bruce B. Krost Continuation of applicationSer. No. 832,933, Aug. 11, 1959. This application Oct. 14, 1960, Ser.No. 62,799 22 Claims. (Cl. 31817) The present application is acontinuation of my application Serial No. 832,933 filed August 1l, 1959,now abandoned.

This invention relates to control apparatus for electrical systems suchas electric traveling crane systems.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide in an electrictraveling crane system (comprising a motordriven `bridge traveling alonga runway and provided with a power circuit, a collector-engaging controlcircuit for the bridge motor mounted along said bridge, and amotor-driven trolley traveling on the bridge) improved apparatus wherebythe operator traveling along the trolley (either walking with thetrolley or riding in a cab carried by the trolley) can control thebridge motor to control the bridge travel, such that the number ofconductor bars and engaging collectors required in suchcollectorengaging control circuits for the bridge motor can besubstantially reduced over prior control apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a circuit thatmotions of the bridge and trolley are controllable at the same time.

Another object is to provide for limiting the number of conductor barsand electrical collectors engaging the same to less than that previouslyrequired while maintaining a high degree of control.

Another object is the reduction in the cost of conductor bars,collectors, conductor bar brackets, collector mountings and otherappurtenances in a traveling crane system by reducing the number ofconductor bars and collectors over that formerly required for obtainingthe desired control of the electrical motors in the system.

Another object is to reduce the maintenance costs of such a travelingcrane system by reducing the number of conductor bars and collectorsover that previously required for a standard of control of theelectrical circuit in the system.

Another object is to obtain more positive operation of a traveling cranesystem through a reduction in loss of control of a crane system throughside swaying of a traveling hoist and collectors and in loss ofcontinuous engagement of the laterally outward collectors with theseveral outwardly spaced conductor bars of the prior systemsincorporating a larger number of conductor .bars and collectors.

Another object is provision of minimizing in the electric control ofdirection and speed of a traveling crane system the dependence upon alarge number of conductor bars and electric collectors engaging thesame, with all of the inherent disadvantages of such large number ofbars and collectors.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had byreferring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunctionwith the accompany drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a bridge and trolley utilizing myapparatus; Y

FIGURE 2 is an end elevation of the bridge end truck shown in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of portions of the bridge and runways used in myapparatus;

FIGURE 4 (comprised of parts 4A and 4B) s a wiring diagram of thedirection-control circuit of my apparatus;

' the underside of crane FIGURE 5 (comprised of parts 5A and 5B) is awiring diagram of the speed-control circuit of my apparatus.

FIGURE 6 is an electrical circuit embodying a modified form of myinvention; and

FIGURE 7 is an electrical circuit having another arrangementillustrating my invention.

As related in the statement of objects of the invention and indicated inFIGURES l through 3, the crane bridge 2 travels along crane runways 17.As shown in FIGURE crane bridge 2 is carried by spaced parallel craneend truck channel members 4-a. End truck channel members 4-a aresupported on runways 17 by means of end truck wheels 4-c journaled onadaptors or mounting brackets 4b secured to the channel members 4-a.

rl`he crane bridge 2 is propelled along the crane runways 17 by tractionWheels 4-d. Traction wheels 4-d are fastened to the crane end trucks 4-aand engage (by upward bias or pressure) with the underside or" cranerunways 17 (see FIGURE 2). The traction wheels 4-d are driven by abridge motor 4 by means of crane drive shaft 4-c (see FIGURE l). Bridgemotor 4, as shown in FIGURE 4, is a polyphase squirrel cage motor asused in single-speed cranes. Bridge motor 4 is, as shown in FIGURE 5, apolyphase slip-ring motor as used in variable speed cranes.

Supported by and operating on the crane bridge is an electric hoistmechanism 1 propelled along the crane bridge by motor-driven trolleymechanism 4-h. As shown in FIGURE l, a hoist-hook block 4-7 is raised orlowered by means of hoist motor 5 through hoist chain 4-g.

Trolley motor 6 of the trolley mechanism 4-h drives traction wheel 4-1'of the trolley mechanism 4-h. Traction wheel 4-1' engages, under upwardbias or pressure, bridge 2. Wheels 4 7' support trolley mechanism 4-h onthe crane bridge 2.

FIGURE l shows an arrangement wherein the operator of the apparatuswalks along with the crane, hoist, and motor-driven trolley for thepurpose of controlling their respective motions by means of apush-button mechanism 11. Since push-button mechanism 11 is mounted fromthe hoist trolley unit, it moves back and forth along the crane bridge 2and permits remote control from any position along the crane ybridge ofthe bridge motor 4, which together with its direction-control mechanism613 (FIG- URE 4) is carried by the crane bridge 2.

It should be noted in this illustration given by way of example that thebridge motor 4 had been shown remote from the push-button mechanism 11.However, the control circuits hereinafter described are valid and thisinvention is useful for any motor to be remotely controlled. To remotelycontrol the bridge motor 4, there are utilized conductor bars andcollectors for supplying electric current to the motor. In priorsingle-speed control circuits, at least three control conductor barswere required, one for forward crane travel, one for reverse cranetravel and one for common return. In the control circuit utilizing thepresent invention, instead of such three conductor bars, only onecontrol bar 10 and one control collector 16 (see FIGURES 3 and 4)replace the prior minimum of three conductor 'bars and three collectorsengaging the same. If the remotely controlled motor is of the slip-ringtype for providing a number of different speeds in prior controlcircuits, a different conductor 'bar is required for each speed change.In the conventional or prior livespeed variable control system, forexample, four conductor bars are required to duplicate the function of asingle conductor bar (bar 12) of the new control system hereinafterdescribed.

FIGURE 4 (comprised of parts 4A and 4B joined together) is a wiringdiagram showing how bridge motor 4 is controlled to operate in theforward or reverse direction to move the bridge 2 along the cranerunways 17 by depressing the Forward bridge button of push-buttonmechanism 11 or by depressing the Reverse bridge button of push-buttonmechanism 11. Push-button mechanism 11 is carried by the hoist mechanism1 on the trolley 4-h which moves along the bridge 2. The buttons ofpushbutton mechanism 11 are mechanically interlocked to preventoperation of both buttons at once.

`In FIGURE 4, the iirst power line 18, the second power line 19 andthethird power line 20, disposed along and parallel to runways 17, areconnected to a suitable source (not shown) of said electric powersupply. Through electric collectors 21, 22 and 23 which engage lines 18,19 and 20, respectively, as the bridge 2 moves along the runways 17, theelectric power supply is delivered to respective lines 7, 8 and 9,extending along the bridge 2, which lines 7, 8 and 9 as shown areelectrically connected, respectively, with the collectors 2.1, 22 and23.

The bridge `motor 4 is electrically connected at taps T-1, T-Z and T-3of the motor windings through wires 52, `53 and 54, respectively, withthe reversing starter mechanism 63, which in turn is connected as shownin FIGURE 4 with lines '7, 8 and 9 by wires 52-a, 53-a and S4a,respectively. From FIGURE 4 it is seen that the closing of contactsSil-a, 50-b and Sli-c of the powerrelay mechanism 50 electricallyconnects runway lines 18, 19 and 20, through bridge lines 7, 8 and 9,respectively, with taps T-l, T-Z and T3 of the bridge motor 4 to causethe bridge motor 4 to rotate in a first direction.

From FIGURE 4, itis also seen that the closing of contacts 51-a, 51-band 51-c of power-relay mechanism 51 electrically connects runway lines20, 19 and 18, through bridge -lines 9, 8 and 7, respectively, with T-1,T-Z and T3 to cause the bridge motor 4 to rotate in an oppositedirection. Power-relay mechanism 50 and 51 are rnechanically interlockedso as to operate alternatively between open and closed positions and notto be both closed at the same time. As indicated in FIGURE 4, thecontacts SO-a, 50-b and Sli-c of power-relay mechanism 50 close whensolenoid coil 47 is lelectrically energized, as for example, by a G-voltGil-cycle electric current supply. In like manner, solenoid coil 48energized by electric current, yas for example, a ZOO-volt 60-cyclesupply operates the power-relay mechanism 51.

Solenoid coil 47 is energized with electric `current by being connectedthrough wire 49 to bridge line 8 (and then runway line 19) and to bridgeline 7 (and then runway line 18)y through wire 46, electric contactl60-1 when closed, land wires 43 and 52-a as shown in FIGURE 4.ySolenoid coil 48 is energized with electric current by being connectedthrough wire 49 to bridge line 8 (and thence runway line 19) and tobridge line 7 (and then runway line 18) through wire 45, electriccontact 61-11 when closed, wire 44, wires 43 and 52-a `as shown in FIG-URE 4.

It is thus shown that closing contact Gti-a of control relay 60 willcause bridge motor 4 to operate the bridge in the forward or firstdirection, and closing contact 61-a of control relay 61 will causebridge motor 4 to operate the bridge in the reverse or oppositedirection. As indicated in FIGURE 4, contact 60-a is closed by solenoidcoil 58 of control relay 60, and contact `61-1 is closed by solenoidcoil 59 of control relay 61. Coils 58 and S9 are direct current solenoidcoils of nominal voltage, as for example, 28 volts. The coils 58 and 59and contacts 60-a and 61-a are included in control signal panel 62which, with direction-control mechanism 63, is mounted on the bridge 2.

FIGURE 4 shows the control circuit by which coils 58 and 59 may beselectively energized although both are electrically connected to, andreceive ltheir respective control vsignals through, Ithe same controlconductor bar 10, resulting in the advantage of obtaining a substantialreduction in the number of control conductor bars required to Ibemounted on a crane bridge. The circuit for controlling coils 58 and 59is as follows: In control signal panel 28, carried by and movable withthe trolley 4-h, are mounted voltage dividers 26 and 27 suitable to thepower supply through conductors 18 and 19. One of the voltage dividers26 land 27 are jointly connected through wires 29 and 13-a, collector13, line 7, and collector 21 to conductor 18. The opposite ends of`dividers 26 and 27 are jointly connected through wires 30 and 14-a,collector 14, line 8, and collector 22 to conductor 19. In series withvoltage divider 26 are `diodes 24 and 24-a, so placed that an IR voltagedrop appears across voltage divider 26 only during that part `of thecycle that line 18 of the power supply is positive with respect to line19. In series with voltage divider 27 are diodes Z5 and ZS-a so placedthat an IR voltage drop appears across voltage divider 27 only duringthat part of the cycle that line 19 is positive with respect to line 18.

In con-trol signal panel 62 `are mounted voltage dividers 39 and 40suitable to the power supply which are connected in parallel acrossconductor bar 7 (and hence line 18) through wires SZ-a and 41 and acrossconductor bar 8 (and hence line 19) through wires 53-a and 42. In serieswith voltage `divider 39 are diodes 35 and 36 so placed that `an IRvoltage drop appears across voltage divider 39 only when line 18 ispositive with respect to line 19. In series with voltage divider 40 arediodes 37 and 38 so .placed hat an IR voltage drop appears acrossvoltage divider 40 only when line 19 is positive with respect to line18.

To energize coil 58 the Forward bridge button is depressed toelectrically connect contact points 11-a and 11-11. An electricalconnection is made from point 26-a on divider 26, through wire 31,through push-button contacts 11-a and 11-b, through wire 33, throughtrolley collector 16, through conductor bar 10, through wire 55, coil 58of relay 69, wire 56 to connection S9-a on voltage divider 39. When line18 is positive with respect to line 19, point 26-a of voltage divider 26is more positive than point 39-a of voltage divider 39 to cause avoltage drop of 28 volts, for example, to appear at the terminals ofcoil 58. `Capacitor `65 is a iilter capacitor to smooth the pulsatingdirect current across coil 58 terminals. As described before, energizingof coil 58 causes the bridge to travel forward. 'It should be noted herethat two conditions rnust be met to energize coil SiS-the Forward bridgebutton must be depressed and line 18 must be positive with respect toline 19.

To energize coil 59 the Reverse bridge button is depressed toelectrically connect contact points 11-c and 11-d. An electricalconnection is made from point 27-a on divider 27, through wire 32,through push-button contacts 11c "and 11-d, through wire 33, throughtrolley collector 16, lthrough conductor bar 10, through wire 55,through coil 59 of relay y61, through wire 57 to point 40-a lon voltage`divider 40. When line 19 is positive with respect to line 18, point27-a of voltage divider 27 is more positive than point 40-a of voltagedivider 40 to cause a voltage `drop of 28 volts, for example, to appearat the terminals of coil 59. Capacitor 64 is a lter capacitor to smooththe pulsating direct current across coil 59 terminals. As describedbefore, energizing of coil 59 causes the bridge to travel in the reversedirection.

It should also be noted that two conditions must be met to energize coil59-the Reverse button must be depressed and line 19 must be posit-ivewith respect to line 18. It is also noted here that any suitable type ofrectifier will operate equally well for the `diodes 24, 25, 36, 37 and38, these diodes being shown for purposes of illustration. Also othersuitable types of amplifiers will operate equally well for relays 60 and61, these relays being shown for purposes of illustration.

FIGURE 5 (comprised of parts 5A and 5B joined together) shows thecircuit for bridge control of the variable speed type. For purposes ofillustration, the bridge motor 4-s will be shown as a three-phaseslip-ring motor.

The direction control of bridge motor 4-s will be similar to thatdescribed in connection with FIGURE 4. The speed control for bridgemotor 4-s will be accomplished by a conventional secondary control panel122. As the 4bridge motor 4-s initially operates (either forward orreverse), all the resistance banks `are in the secondary circuit.

When coil 114 of power relay 114R is energized, resistance banks 118,11S-a and 11S-b are shorted out causing the bridge motor 4-s to operateat a faster speed. In like manner, the speed of bridge motor `4-s isincreased as power relays 115R, 116R and 11'7R are operated to short outtheir corresponding sets of resistance banks. The bridge motor 4sreaches its high speed with the energizing of power relay 117R andshorts out all the resistance banks.

FIGURE 5 shows how relays 114R, 115R, 116R and 117R may be selectivelyenergized although relays 11411, 115R, 116R and 117R are allelectrically connected to and receive their control signals from thesame control conductor bar 12, resulting, as mentioned in the openingstatements, in the advantage of a substantial reduction in controlconductor bars required to be mounted on crane bridge. As indicated inFIGURE 5, relays 114R, 115R, 116R and 117K are operated by a 22o-voltoil-cycle supply of current, for example. Specifically, relay 114R isener* gized when contacts 87-a and 87-b of control relay 87K are closed,electrically connecting line 1-8 through conductor bar 7, wire 80,contacts 87-b and 87-a, wire 89, coil 114, wires 113-c, 113-b, 113-a,113 to line 19 through conductor bar 8. Relay 115R is energized whencontacts 92-c and 92-d are closed, electrically connecting line 18through conductor bar 7, wire 80, wire 85, contacts 92-0 and 92-d, wire85-a, coil 11S, Wires 113-b, 113-a and 113 to line 19 through conductorIbar S. Relay 116R is energized when contacts 97-a and 97f, of relay 97Kare closed, electrically connecting line 18 Ithrough conductor Ibar 7,wire 80, wire 83, contacts 97-e and 97-f, Wire 83-a, coil 116, wires113-a and 113 t0 line 19 through conductor bar 8. Relay 117R isenergized when contacts 1t0-g and 10Q-h .are closed, electricallyconnecting line 18 through conductor bar 7, wire 80, Wire 81, contacts1904;; and 100-11, Wire 81-a, coil 117 and Wire 113 to line 19 throughconductor bar 8.

To close contacts 87-a and 87-b `of relay 87R, coil 87 of relay 87R mustbe energized. `Coil 87 is a direct current coil of nominal voltage, say28 volts, for example. Operation of relays 9`2R, 97R and 100Kcorresponds to the operation of relay 87R.

As shown in FIGURE 5, mounted on the hoist trolley unit and wired topush-button mechanism 114m is signal control panel 67. Mounted in panel67 is voltage divider 69, suitable to the power supply. In series withvoltage divider 69 are diodes 68 and 68-1 causing a pulsating directcurrent to flow in voltage divider 69 when line 18 is positive withrespect to line 19, the circuit being line 18 through conductor bar 7,collector 13, wire 13-a, wire L29-a, diode 618, voltage divider 69, wire30-a, wire 14-a, collector 14 to line 19l through conductor bar 8.

Mounted on the bridge Z is signal lcontrol panel 112 carrying the partsand circuit shown. Mounted in panel 112 is voltage divider 111, suitableto the power supply. Connected in series with voltage divider 111 arediodes 110 and 11d-rz, causing a pulsating direct current voltage toilow in voltage divider 111 when line 18 is positive with respect toline 19. Carried by the hoist trolley unit is variable-speed push-buttonmechanism 11-m. Both the bridge Forward button and the bridge Reversebutton carried by push-button mechanism 11-m may be depressed todiierent selective positions, causing dilerent selective contacts to beoperative. In FIGURE 5, depressing the bridge Forward button ofpush-button mechanism 11-m to the irst selective point closes contacts1li-tz and 11-b and causes the bridge motor 4 to operate as previouslydescribed in connection with FIGURE 4.

Depressing the Forward bridge button of mechanism (i 11-m in FIGURE 5 tothe second contacts 11-a to 11-b closed and 11-e to 11-f.

Depressing the bridge Forward button of mechanism 11-m to the thirdselective point keeps contacts 11-a and ll-b closed, opens contacts 11-eand 1li-f, and closes contacts 11-g and 11h.

Depressing the bridge Forward button to the `fourth selective pointkeeps contacts 11-a and 11-b closed, keeps contacts 11-e and r11-f open,opens contacts 11-g and 1142 and closes contacts 11-k and 11-l.

Depressing the-bridge Forward button to the fifth selective point keepscontacts 11-a and 11-b closed, keeps 11-e and `lll-f open, keeps 11-gand 11-/1 open, opens contacts 11-k and 11-1 and closes contacts 11-aand 11p.

Depressing the bridge Reverse button causes contacts 11-c and 11-d ofmechanism 11-m to operate mechanically and electrically similar to theoperation of contacts lll-a and ll-b in push-button mechanism 11 aspreviously described in connection with FIGURE 4. Contacts 11-q and11-1', upon pressing the bridge Reverse button suiiiciently, operatemechanically similar to the operation of contacts 11-e and 11-f andcontacts 11-q and 11-1 are connected together electrically as shown inFIGURE 5 by wires 78 and 7i). In like manner, depressing the bridgeReverse `button to its third, lfourth and iifth selective points causecontacts 11-s and 11-t, 11-u and .l1-v 111-w and 11-y, to operatemechanically (open and closing), and to operate electrically (because ofwires 70, 77, 76 and 75) similar to the operation of contacts ll-g and11-11, y11-k and 11-l, 11-n and lll-p, respectively.

As stated, to close contacts 87-a and `87-b of relay 87R, coil 87 mustbe energized. The circuit to energize coil 87 is a follows: Point 694erof voltage divider 69 through wire 74 through contacts 11-e and ll-f(with the Forward bridge button depressed to its second selectivepoint), wire 70, collector 66, control conductor 12, wire 79, coil 87,wire 90, normally closed contacts 91E-a and 92b, wire 94, normallyclosed ycontacts 97-rz and 97-b, Wire 95, normally closed contacts 10G-aand 18d-b, Wire 102, diode 109 to point 111-a of voltage divider 111(connected to line 8 through wire 124 and diode 11d-a). Point 69-a ofvoltage divider 69 is more positive than point 111-a of voltage divider111 so that a potential of 28 volts, for example, appears across theterminals of coil 87. Capacitor 88 is a filter capacitor to smooth outthe pulsating direct current. While in this circuit, points 111-b, 111-cand 111-d are electrically connected to point 69-a and, being of ahigher potential, no circuit through coils 92, 97 and 10) can becompleted because of diodes 188, 107 and 106, respectively. As describedbetore, to operate coil of relay 115R for causing a speed change inbridge motor 4-s, contacts 92-c and 92-d of relay 92R must be close-d byenergizing coil 92. The circuit to energize coil 92 is as follows: Point69-b on voltage divider 69, wire 73, contacts 11-g and 11-Iz (whenbutton is at third selective speed, contacts 11-e and 1li-f are nowopen), wire 7%), collector 66, control conductor bar 12, wire 79, wire8o, coil 92, wire 93, normally closed contacts '9`7-c and 97-d, wire 96,nor mally closed contacts 108-c and 10G-d, wire 183, diode 108, to point111-b of voltage divider 111. Point 69-b of voltage divider 69 is morepositive than point 111-b of voltage divider 111 so that a potentialdifference of 28 volts, for example, appears across the terminals ofcoil 92,. Capacitor 91 is a lter capacitor to smooth the pulsatingdirect current to coil 92. While in this circuit points 111-c and 111-dof voltage divider 111 are potentially higher than point 69-b of voltagedivider 69, and no circuit through coils 97 and 168 can be completedbecause of diodes 107 and 106. When coil 92 is energized, contacts 92-aand 92-b of relay 92R open and prevent coil 87 from becoming energized.(The normally closed contacts of relays 921i, 97B, 168k, open beforeselective point keeps also closes contacts the normally open contactsclose.) To operate coil 116 of relay 116K (to give another speed tomotor 4-s), contacts 97-a and 97-yc of relay 97K must be closed byenergizing coil 97. The circuit 'to energize coil 97 is as follows:Point 69-0 on voltage divider 69, wire 72, contacts 11-k and 11-l (whenbutton is at fourth selective speed, contacts 1v1-e and 11-f, 11-g and11-11, are now open)7 wire '70, collector 66, control conductor bar 12,wire 79, wire 84, coil 97, normally closed contacts 10U-e and 1004, wire104, diode 107, point 111-c on voltage divider 111. Point 69-c ofvoltage divider 69 is more positive than point lll-c of voltage divider111 so that a potential difference of 28 volts, for example, appearsacross the terminals of coil 97. Capacitor 98 is a filter capacitor tosmooth out the pulsating direct current across coil 97. While in thecircuit, point '111-61 of voltage divider 111 is higher potentially thanpoint 69-c and no circuit through coil 100 can be complete because ofdiode 106. When coil 97 is energized normally closed contacts 97-01 and97-11, 97-c and 97-d open, preventing `the energization of coils 87 and92, respectively. To opcrate coil 117 of relay 117K (shorting out allsecondary resistance in panel 122), contacts 100-g and 100411 of relay100K must be closed by energizing coil 100. The circuit to energize coil100 is as follows: Point 69-d of voltage divider 69, wire 71, contacts11-11 and 11-pof push-button mechanism ll-m, (when push-button is atfifth selective speed, contacts 11-e and 114i, 111g and and 11-11, 11-kand 11-1 are now open), wire 70, collector 66, control conductor bar 12,wire 79, wire 82, coil 100, wire 105, diode 106, point ylll-d of voltagedivider 111. Foint 69-d of voltage divider 69 is more positive thanpoint 11i-d of voltage divider 111 so that a potential drop of 28 volts,for example, appears across the terminals of coil 180. Capacitor 101 isa iilter capacitor to smooth out the pulsating direct current acrosscoil 100. When coil 100 is energized normally closed contacts 10G-a and100]), 100-c and 100-d, 10U-e and 1004, open to prevent coils 87, 92 and97, respectively, from being energized. It should be noted that othersuitable types of rectifiers wil-l operate in this circuit as well asdiodes 68, 100, 106, 107, 108 and 109. In like manner other suitabletypes of amplifiers may be substituted for relays 8711, 921i, 971i. and100K.

FIGURE 6 shows a modified arrangement and illustrates the selectiveenergization of coils 124 and 129 for closing contacts 124-a or 129-a,each connected to a difierent electrical circuit to be controlled. Thecontact points 124-a are shown diagrammatically by broken lines to beoperated to open and closed positions by the encrgization orde-energization of coil 124. Likewise, contact points 129-a are showndiagrammatically by broken lines to be operated to open and closedposition by the energization or de-energization of coil 129. Thisselective energization is done by means of a single bus bar or conductor110 through the selective closing of switches 116 or 1'17, respectively.

Assuming the electric voltage `of the alternating current across thevoltage dividers 108 and `134 is 220 volts lalternating in potentialbetween bus bars or conductors `101 and 102, the driving motor of theillustrated system being three-phase, lines l101, 102 and 103- areshown. Tap point 10S-a is at the midpoint of voltage divider 108. Tappoint 134-11 is not at the midpoint of voltage divider y'134 but isnearer the lower end of divider 134 (that is, closer to theI connectionwith wire 136 and line 102) such that when line 101 is positive withrespect to line 102, tap point 10S-a is 12 volts more positive than tappoint 134-a. However, when line 102 is positive with lrespect to line101, then tap point 134-a is 12 volts more positive than tap point10S-a. Coils 124 and 129 operate on l2 volts. Capacitors 123 and 128 arefilter capacitors. Coil i124 is energized by the closing of switch 116(but not switch 1-17). The current path, with line 101 positive to line102, is from tap point 108-a, wire 109, diode 113,

wire 115, switch 116 (when closed), collector 120, control bar 110, Wire121, wire 122, coil 124, wire 125, diode 126, wire 127, to tap point134-a. No current flows through coil 129 because of diode 131.

To energize coil 129, switch 117 (but not switch 116) is closed. Thecurrent path, when line 102 is more positive than line 101, is from tappoint 134-11, through wire l132, `diode `131, coil `129, wire 121,control bus bar 110, collector 120, wire 118, switch i117, wire 114,diode 112, wire 111, wire 109, to tap point 10S-a. Coil 124 cannot be`energized because of diode 126.

FIGURE 7 shows another circuit arrangement whereby more than one coilcan be energized selectively, over the same bus bar or conductor. InFIGURE 7, switch 158 and switch 159 are mechanically interlocked so thatonly one switch at a time is operative; likewise, switches 160 and 161are mechanically interlocked for a like purpose.

Diodes -148 and 149 allow voltage divider 152 to be energized only whenline 101 is positive with respect to line 142. Likewise, diodes 194 and195 allow voltage divider 198 to be energized only when line 101 ispositive with respect to line 102. Tap point 152-a is l2 volts morepostive than tap point 198-a, and tap point `198-1 is l2 volts higherthan point 152-a. Coils 178 and 179 operate on 12 volts direct current.Capacitors 174 and 175 are filter capacitors. Coil 179 is operated byclosing switch 158. Current flow is from tap point 152-a through wire154, switch 158, wire 162, wire 166, collector 167, control bus -bar orconductor 168, wire 169, wire 170, coil 17 8, wire 182, diode i186, wire192 to tap point 198-a. `Coil 179 cannot be energized because of diode187.

Coil 179 is energized when switch 160 is closed. The current ow is `fromtap point 198-a, through wire 192, wire 190, `diode 187, wire 183, coil179, wire 171, wire 169, control bus bar or conductor 168, collector167, wire 166, wire 163, switch 159, wire 155, tap point l152-b.

In the lforegoing -discussion it will be noted that current flow couldtake place through coil 178 or 179 only during `the intervals that line101 was more positive than line 102.

FIGURE 7 shows further circuit-ry than discussed which allows coils and1811 to be energized during the intervals that line 102 is more positivethan line 101. Diodes 150 and 151 allow voltage divider `153 to beenergized only when line 102 .is more positive than line 101. In likemanner, diodes 196 and 197 allow voltage wire 119, wire 118;

divider `199 to be energized only when line 102 is more positive thanline 101. Tap point 153-0 is l2 volts more positive than tap point1199-11. Tap point 199-a is lf2 volts more positive than tap point 153a.Coils 180 and 181 operate on l2 volts direct current.

To operate coil 181, switch 161 is closed. The current flow is from tappoint 153-11, wire 157, switch 161 (when closed), wire 165, wire 166,collector 167, control bus bar or conductor 168, wire 169, wire 173,coil 181, wire 185, diode 189, wire 191, wire 193, to tap point 199-a.Coil 180 is not energized because of diode 188.

Coil 180 is energized by closing switch 160. The current flow is fromtap point 199-a, through wire 193, diode 188, wire 184, coil 180, wire172, wire 169, control bus bar 168, collector 167, wire 166, wire 164,switch 160, wire 156, to` current tap point 15S-a. Coil 181 is notenergized because of diode 189.

As shown diagrammatically by broken lines, coil 178 operates electriccontacts 178-a, coil 179 operates electric contacts 179-a, coil 180operates electric contacts 180-a, and coil 181 operates electriccontacts l181-a. The respective electric contacts are each electricallyconnected to a different electrical circuit providing a separateyfunction or operation in the apparatus.

It is evident that the circuitry disclosed in FIGURE 7 would allow theremote control of two single-speed reversing motors over a single busbar or conductor, and also the remote control of a multi-windingreversing motor over ya single bus bar or conductor. It is also evidentthat a slip-ring motor can be remotely controlled over a single bus rbaror conductor by arranging switches 160 and 161, coils 180 and '181,`diodes 188 and 189, in a manner similar to -that shown in FIGURE 5.More switches, coils and diodes can be added as more speeds arerequired.

In the description and claims, when the phases of pulsating directcurrent are referred to, it is meant to convey the thou-ght that thepulsating direct current derived from the positive halves of the cyclesof alternating current is of one phase, and the pulsating direct currentderived from the negative halves of the cycles of alternating current isof an opposite phase. Thus, when diodes, in a circuit connectingconductors carrying alternating current, are pointed or directed in onedirection relative to `the conductors carrying flow `of alternatingcurrent, there is produced pulsating direct current referred to as beingof one phase. Conversely, when such diodes are pointed or directed in anopposite direction relative to the said conductors carrying the samefloW of alternating current, there is produced pulsating direct currentreferred to as being of an opposite phase. When the alternating currentis of one polarity, such as positive polarity, and is rectified by adiode to produce pulsating direct current during the upper or positivehalf of the cycle of the alternating current, `the pulsating directcurrent resulting therefrom is here referred to as being of a first orpositive phase. The pulsating direct current similarly produced duringthe opposite polarity of the alternating current is referred to aspulsating direct current of a second or opposite phase.

The present disclosure includes that contained in ythe appended claims,as well as that of the foregoing description.

Although this invention has 'been described in its preferred form With acertain degree of particularity, it is understood that ythe' presentdisclosure of the preferred form has been made only by Way `of exampleand that numerous changes in the details of the circuit and thecombination and arrangement of circuit elements may be resorted towithout departing from lthe spirit and scope of the invention ashereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for controlling an operation of an electrically-drivendevice' disposed along a pair of electrical conductors adapted to beconnected to a source of alternating electric current for the driving ofsaid device, comprising in combination, a first voltage dividerelectrically connected between said conductors, first diode meansconnected in series with said conductors and said first voltage dividerto change alternating current impressed on the first voltage divider bysaid conductors to pulsating direct current, a first connection tappedto the first voltage divider .-to provide current at a first degree ofvoltage, a second voltage divider electrically connected between Isaidconductors and in parallel with said first voltage divider, second diodemeans connected in series with said conductors and said second voltagedivider to change alternating current impressed on the second voltagedivider to pulsating direct current concurrent with the pulsating directcurrent of the first voltage divider, a second connection tapped to thesecond voltage divider to provide current of a second degree of voltage,said first and second degrees of voltage differing from each other forproviding a voltage differential, an electric relay operable on saidvoltage differential and connected to control the said operation of saiddevice, and connecting means electrically connecting said relay betweensaid first `and second connections for supplying said pulsating directcurrent of said differential voltage to said relay for energizing .thelsame.

2. Apparatus for controlling an operation of an electrically-drivendevice disposed along a pair of electrical conductors adapted to beconnected to a source of alternating electric current for the driving ofsaid device, comprising in combination, a control conducting barextending -alongside of said electrical conductors between spacedpositions, at least one of said positions being movable along saidcontrol conducting bar and of variable spacing from the other of saidpositions, a first Voltage divider electrically connected between saidconductors, first diode means connected in series with said conductorsand said first voltage divider to change alternating current impressedon the first voltage divider by said conductors -to pulsating directcurrent, a first connection tapped to the first voltage divider toprovide current at a first degree of voltage, a second voltage dividerelectrically connected between said conductors and in parallel with saidfirst voltage divider, second diode means connected in series with saidconductors and said second voltage divider to change alternating currentimpressed on the second voltage divider to pulsating direct currentconcurrent with the pulsating direct current of the first voltagedivider, a second connection tapped to the second voltage divider toprovide current of a second degree of Voltage, said first and seconddegrees of voltage differing from each other for providing a voltagedifferential, an electric rel-ay operable on said voltage differentialand connected to control said operation of said device, first and secondconnecting means electrically connecting said relay and said controlconducting bar in series with said first and second connections forsupplying said pulsating direct current through said control conductingbar to said relay to energize the same, at least one of said first andsecond connecting means including an electric collector movable alongsaid control conducting bar for accommodating the electrical connectionthrough said connecting means to variations in the spacing of saidspaced positions, and a capacitor electrically connected to said relayto even out the pulsating direct current supplied to the relay by saidconnecting means.

3. In control apparatus for an electric motor of an electrically-drivendevice disposed along a pair of electrical conductors adapted to supplyalternating electric current to said motor, a first circuit electricallyconnected across said conductors, a second circuit electricallyconnected across said conductors, one of said circuits being movablealong said conductors relative to the other of said circuits, firstrectifying means included in said first circuit for providing directcurrent in said first circuit.1 first voltage dividing means included insaid first circuit for providing a rst voltage value of said directcurrent, second rectifying means corresponding With said firstrectifying means included in said second circuit for providing directcurrent concurrent with the direct current in said first circuit, secondvoltage dividing means included in said second circuit for providing asecond volt-age value of direct current different from said firstvoltage value, electric amplifying means connected to control circuitsof said motor and operable on the differential voltage of said first andsecond voltage values and included in said second circuit in electricalconnection with said second voltage dividing means and to be impressedwith the direct current of said second voltage value in said secondcircuit, switch means included in said first circuit in electricalconnection with said first voltage dividing means to be impressed withthe direct current of said first voltage value in said first circuit, acontrol conducting bar extending along said pair of electricalconductors, first connecting means included in said first circuit forelectrically connecting said switch means and said control conductingbar, and second connecting means included in said second circuit forelectrically connecting said amplifying means and said controlconducting bar, the connecting means included in said one of saidcircuits including an electric collector electrically engaging saidcontrol conducting bar for accommodating the movement of said one ofsaid circuits along said conductors.

4. In control apparatus for the circuits of an electric motor havingopposite drives connected for operating spaanse the motor in oppositedriving directions, an electricallydriven device disposed along a pairof electrical conductors adapted to supply alternating electric currentto said motor and along a control conducting bar disposed along saidconductors, comprising in combination, a first circuit electricallyconnected across said conductors, a second circuit electricallyconnected across said conductors, one of said circuits being movablealong said conductors relative to the other of said circuits, said firstcircuit including a pair of voltage dividers connected in parallel,rectifying means connected in series with each of said voltage dividersfor converting said alternating current to pulsating direct current, therectifying means of said pair of voltage dividers being oppositelydisposed to alternate the pulsations of the pulsating direct current ineach said voltage divider, a iirst switch electrically tapped to thesaid first voltage divider to provide current of predetermined voltage,a second switch tapped to the said second voltage divider to providecurrent of predetermined voltage, first connecting means electricallyconnecting said first and second switches to said control conducting barwhereby said voltage dividers may be selectively connected through saidswitches with said control conducting bar, said second circuit includinga pair of voltage dividers connected in parallel, rectifying meansconnected in series with each of said voltage dividers in the secondcircuit `for converting said alternating current to pulsating directcurrent, the rectifying means of said pair of voltage dividers in thesecond circuit being oppositely disposed to alternate the pulsations ofthe pulsating direct current in each of said voltage dividers, therectifying means in the said circuits including means for assuringunidirectional flow of the current in the respective voltage dividers,rst amplifying means electrically tapped to the first voltage divider ofthe second circuit to provide a current of predetermined voltage, secondamplifying means electrically tapped to the second voltage divider ofthe second circuit to provide a current of predetermined voltage, eachof said amplyifying means being connected in the respective circuits ofsaid motor for independently controlling operation of each of saidcircuits, second connecting means electrically connecting said first andsecond `amplitying means to said control conducting bar whereby saidfirst and second amplifying means may be energized by current flowingthrough said control conducting bar, one of the first and secondconnecting means being movable along said control conducting oar toaccommodate movement of said one of said circuits along said conductors,the predetermined voltage provided by the rst voltage divider of thefirst circuit and the predetermined voltage provided by the rst voltagedivider of the second circuit being different to provide a differentialvoltage required for operation of said first amplifying means, thepredetermined voltage provided by the second voltage divider of thefirst circuit and the predetermined voltage provided by the secondvoltage divider of the second circuit being different to provide adifferential voltage required for operation of said second amplifyingmeans, said first amplifying means being energizable upon closing ofsaid first switch by the said differential voltage in said first voltagedividers of the first and second circuits and said second amplifyingmeans being energizable upon closing of said second switch by saiddifferential voltage in said second voltage dividers of said first andsecond circuits, the unidirectional liow of current in said voltagedividers preventing reverse currents to each of said amplyfyirig meansupon energization of the other of said amplifying means.

5. Apparatus for obtaining control of a plurality of electrical circuitseach controlling a different function in an electric motor-driven devicedisposed adjacent a pair of electrical conductors supplying alternatingcurrent for powering said electric motor-driven device from a locationvariably remote from said device and adjacent said pair of electricalconductors, comprising in combination, a pair of electric relays eachconnected to control a different circuit of said plurality of electricalcircuits, a control conducing bar disposed alongside of said conductorsfor conducting control current to said relays, first means connectedbetween said conductors and movable therealong in said variablelocations for converting said alternating current to pulsating directcurrent and of a first predetermined voltage when a iirst of saidconductors is positive with respect to a Second of said conductors,second means connected between said conductors and movable therealong insaid variable locations for converting said alternating current topulsating direct current and of a second predetermined voltage when thesecond of said conductors is positive with respect to the first of Saidconductors, said lirst and second predetermined voltages each being lessthan the voltage of the alternating current carried by said conductors,third means including switch means for selectively connecting the firstmeans to said control conducting bar for supplying the direct current ofpredetermined voltage from said first means to said control conductingbar, fourth means including switch means for selectively connecting thesecond means to said control conducting bar for supplying the directcurrent of predetermined voltage from said second means to said controlconducting bar, said third means and fourth means being movable alongsaid control conducting bar in said variable locations, fifth meansconnected between said conductors for converting said alternatingcurrent to pulsating direct current and of a third predetermined voltagewhen said first of said conductors is positive with respect to thesecond of said conductors, sixth means connected between said conductorsfor converting said alternating current to pulsating direct current of afourth predetermined voltage when the second of said conductors ispositive with respect to the iirst of said conductors, said directcurrent of iirst predetermined voltage being different in degree fromand concurrent with said direct current of a third predetermined voltageto provide a first differential voltage, said direct current of a secondpredetermined Voltage being different in degree from and concurrent withsaid direct current of a fourth predetermined voltage to provide asecond dierential voltage, seventh means electrically connecting a lirstof said electric relays with said control conducting bar and with saidfifth means to deliver direct current of said first diiferential voltageto said first relay for energizing the same upon the closing of theswitch means in said third means, and eighth means electricallyconnecting a second of said electric relays with said control conductingbar and said sixth means to deliver direct current of said seconddifferential voltage to said second relay for energizing the same uponthe closing of the switch means in said fourth means.

6. The combination of, rst means for producing from an alternatingcurrent circuit a pulsating direct current of a first reducedpredetermined voltage when one side of the alternating current circuitis positive with respect to the other side, second means for producingfrom said alternating current circuit a pulsating direct current of asecond reduced predetermined voltage when the said other side of thealternating current circuit is positive in respect to said one side, afirst switch mechanism electrically connected to the first means, asecond switch mechanism electrically connected to the second means, acontrol conductor, first connecting means electrically connecting the[i1-st switch mechanism and second switch mechanism with said controlconductor whereby the current produced by the first means and thecurrent produced by the second means by alternate operation of the firstand second switch mechanisms may be supplied to said control conductor,third means for producing from said alternating current circuit apulsating direct current of a third reduced predetermined voltage whensaid one side of the alternating current circuit is positive withrespect to the other side, said rst and third predetermined voltagesbeing different from each other and being simultaneous to produce afirst direct current of a differential voltage, fourth means forproducing from said alternating current circuit a pulsating directcurrent of a fourth reduced predetermined voltage when the said otherside of the alternating current circuit is positive in respect to saidone side, said second and fourth predetermined voltages being differentfrom each other and being simultaneous to produce a second directcurrent of a differential Voltage, a first electric amplifier connectedfor controlling an electric circuit, a second electric amplifierconnected for controlling another electric circuit, second connectingmeans electrically connecting said control conductor with said first andsecond amplifiers, the said second connecting means, said firstamplifier and said third means being connected in series whereby saidfirst direct current of a differential voltage upon the closing of saidfirst switch mechanism is supplied to the first amplifier to energizethe same, the said second connecting means, said second amplifier andsaid fourth means being connected in series whereby said second directcurrent of a differential voltage upon the closing of the second switchmechanism is supplied to the second amplifier to energize the same.

7. The combination of first means for producing from alternating currentenergizing a pair of conductors leading to motor circuits of an electricmotor-driven device a first source of pulsating direct current ofpredetermined voltage less than the voltage of said alternating current,second means for producing from said alternating current a second sourceof pulsating direct current of predetermined voltage less than thevoltage of said alternating current, said first and second sources ofpulsating direct current being alternate in timing, third means forproducing from said alternating current a third source of pulsatingdirect current or" predetermined voltage different in value from thepredetermined voltage of said first source to produce a differentialvoltage of a phase the same as the phase of said first source, fourthmeans for producing from said laternating current a fourth source ofpulsating direct current of predetermined voltage different in valuefrom the predetermined Voltage of said second source to produce adifferential voltage and of a phase the same as the phase of said secondsource and opposite to the phase of said third source, a first electricrelay electrically connected to said third means, a second electricrelay electrically connected to said fourth means, said relays eachbeing connected to a different one of said motor circuits forindependently controlling the same, a first electric switch electricallyconnected to said first means for controlling the flow of said firstsource of pulsating direct current, a second electric switchelectrically connected to said second means for controlling the flow ofsaid second source of pulsating direct current, a control conductingbar, first connecting means electrically connecting said first andsecond switches to said control conducting bar, second connecting meanselectrically connecting said first and second relays to said controlconducting bar, at least one of said connecting means being movablealong and in electrical engagement with said control conducting bar,Said first switch, upon being closed, said first connecting means, saidcontrol conducting bar, and said second connecting means electricallyconnecting said first relay in series between said first means and saidthird means to supply the differential voltage produced by said firstand third sources to said first relay to energize the same, said secondswitch upon being closed, said first connecting means, said controlconducting bar, and said second connecting means connecting said secondrelay in series between said second means and said fourth means tosupply the differential voltage produced by said second and fourthsources to said second relay to energize the same.

8. The combination defined in claim 7, and including a first capacitorconnected in parallel with said first relay and a second capacitorconnected in parallel with said second relay.

9. in apparatus for independently controlling a plurality of electricmotor circuits energized by alternating cnrrent delivered to said motorcircuits by a pair of electric conductors extending substantiallyparallel to each other along a course, the combination of a controlconducting bar extending along substantially parallel to said electricconductors, a first circuit connected across and movable along said pairof electric conductors to be impressed with said alternating current,said first circuit including voltage dividing means for producingcurrent of a fixed reduced voltage and including diode means forproducing a first pulsating direct current source of said fixed reducedvoltage and of a first phase and for producing a second pulsating directcurrent source of said fixed reduced voltage and of a second andopposite phase, a first electric switch mechanism included in said firstcircuit electrically connected to and movable along said controlconducting bar for selectively connecting said control conducting barwith said first current source, a second electric switch mechanismincluded in said first circuit electrically connected to and movablealong said control conducting bar for selectively connecting saidcontrol conducting bar with said second source, a second circuitconnected across said pair of electric conductors to be impressed withsaid alternating current, said second circuit including voltage dividingmeans for producing current of a fixed reduced voltage different fromthe fixed reduced voltage of said first circuit and including diodemeans for producing a first pulsating direct cuirent source of saiddifferent fixed reduced voltage and of a first phase and for producing asecond pulsating direct current source of said different fixed reducedvoltage and of a second and opposite phase, the phase of the firstcurrent source of the second circuit corresponding to the phase of thefirst current source of the first circuit and the phase of the secondcurrent source of the second circuit corresponding to the phase of thesecond current source of the first circuit, a first electric amplifierconnected to control a first of said electric motor circuits, and asecond electric amplifier connected to control -a second of saidelectric motor circuits, said first amplifier being included in saidelectrically connected to said be impressed upon the closing of saidfirst switch mechanisrn with the difference in the Voltage of said firstdirect current sources of said first phase produced by the first andsecond circuits for energizing the first amplifier, said secondamplifier being included in said second circuit and being electricallyconnected to said control conducting bar to be impressed upon theclosing of said second switch mechanism with the difference in thevoltage of said second direct current sources of said second phaseproduced by the rst and second circuits for energizing the secondamplifier.

l0. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 in which there is a capacitorconnected in parallel with each of said amplifiers.

ll. The combination of first alternating current carried by a pair ofconductors a plurality of sources of pulsating direct current each of adifferent predetermined voltage, said first means including voltagedividing means and rectifying means, a control bar for conducting saidsources to a remote location, a plurality of switches electricallyconnected to said first means and said control bar for impressing at onetime a selected one only of said sources to said control bar, secondmeans for producing from said alternating current a plurality of sourcesof pulsating direct current of a predetermined voltage intermediate ofthe predetermined voltages of said first sources, said second meansincluding voltage dividing means and rectifying means, a plurality ofrelays electrically connected in parallel to said second means and tosaid control bar, the predetermined voltage of said second sourcescompared to the predetermined voltage control conducting bar to meansfor producing from of said first sources resulting in a plurality ofdifferential. voltages, said relays cach being connected to anelectrical circuit for controlling the same, a diode connected in serieswith each of said relays, said diodes being oppositely disposed to eachother, the combination of said first and second means, relays, diodes,switches and control bar providing for the enregization of one of saidrelays only by the closing of one of said switches only and theencrgization of the other of said relays only by the closing of theother of said switches only.

l2. Apparatus for selectively controlling a plurality of electricaloperating circuits each governing a different operation of amotor-driven device, comprising the combination of, a plurality ofelectric amplifiers each connected to control a different one of saidoperating circuits, first means for providing pulsating direct currenthaving a voltage required for operating cach amplifier and havingdifferent phases, second means for connecting to each said amplifiersaid pulsating direct current of one of said phases only, `and thirdmeans for selectively impressing on said amplifiers only the directcurrent of said required voltage and of said one phase to energize theselected amplifier only.

i3. Apparatus for controlling a plurality of electrical circuits of anelectric motor-driven device, said circuits being energized by aplurality of conductors adapted to carry alternating electric current,comprising the combination of, a first voltage divider connected betweena first and a second of said conductors, a second voltage dividerconnected between said first and second conductors, first diode meansconnected in said first voltage divider for producing in said firstvoltage divider pulsating direct current of a first phase when the firstconductor is positive in respect to the said second conductor, seconddiode means connected in said second voltage divider for producing insaid second voltage divider pulsatingr direct current of an oppositephase when the said second conductor is positive in respect to saidfirst conductor, a first switch mechanism tapped to said first voltagedivider to pro-vide current of a first voltage, a second switchmechanism tapped to said first voltage divider to provide current of asecond voltage, a third switch mechanism tapped to said second voltagedivider to provide current of a third voltage, a fourth switch mechanismtapped to said second voltage divider to provide current of a fourthvoltage, said second voltage being less than said first voltage and saidthird voltage being less than said fourth voltage, a control barextending along said conductors, first connecting means electricallyconnecting said first, second, third and fourth switch mechanisms forsupplying current from said first and second voltage dividers to saidbar upon the selective closing of one of said switch mechanisms, a thirdvoltage divider connected between said first and second conductors, afourth voltage divider connected between said first and secondconductors, third diode means connected in said third voltage dividerfor producing in said third voltage divider pulsating direct current ofone phase when the first conductor is positive with respect to saidsecond conductor, fourth diode means connected in said fourth voltagedivider for producing in said fourth voltage divider pulsating directcurrent of an opposite phase when the said second conductor is positivein respect to said first conductor, a first electric amplifier and aSecond electric amplifier connected in parallel with each other and bothtapped jointly to said third voltage divider to provide current of afifth voltage, a third electric amplifier and a fourth electricamplifier connected in parallel with each other and both tapped jointlyto said fourth voltage divider to provide current of a sixth voltage,said first voltage being greater than said fifth voltage, said fifthvoltage being greater than said second voltage, said fourth voltagebeing greater than said sixth voltage, and said sixth voltage beinggreater than said third voltage, second connecting means electricallyconnecting said first, second, third and fourth to said control bar famplifiers to said control bar to supply to said amplifiers current fromsaid first and second voltage dividers, and a diode connected in serieswith each of said amplifiers to pass thereto the pulsating directcurrent of one phase only, said diodes passing current of said one phasethrough said first and fourth amplifiers and passing current of saidopposite phase through said second and third amplifiers, the saidamplifiers being selectively energized only by current having a voltagedifferential and of a phase produced upon the selective closing of saidswitch mechanisms.

14. The combination defined in claim 13 and including capacitors eachconnected in parallel with each of said amplifiers.

l5. The combination of first means for producing from a supply ofalternating current a first plurality of sources of pulsating directcurrent of predetermined voltages less than the voltage of the saidalternating current, some of said sources being produced into pulsatingdirect current of a first phase corresponding to one polarity of saidsupply of alternating current and other of said sources being producedinto pulsating direct current of opposite phase corresponding with theopposite polarity of said supply of alternating current, the directcurrent sources of similar phases being of different predeterminedvoltages, a common control bar for conducting said direct current,selective means for selectively connecting said sources of predeterminedvoltage and of said first and opposite phases to said control bar, aplurality of amplifiers each connected to a different electrical circuitfor independently controlling cach said circuit, second means at adistance from said first means and along said control bar for producingfrom said supply of alternating current a second plurality of sources ofpulsating direct current of predetermined voltage less than the voltageof said alternating current, at least one of said second sources beingproduced into pulsating direct current of a first phase correspondingtoone polarity of said supply of alternating current and at leastanother of said sources being produced into pulsating direct current ofopposite phase corresponding with the opposite polarity of said supplyof alternating current, said predetermined values of said first andsecond sources having such values that a differential voltage resultsfrom connecting a source produced by the first means with a source ofthe same phase produced by the second means, rectifying meansrespectively connected in series with each of said amplifiers forselective energization of the respective amplifier in correspondencewith the phase of the pulsating direct current supplied thereto throughsaid selective means, said amplifiers being connected to said secondmeans to be individually impressed with one of said sources of currentproduced by said second means, the said selective connection by saidselective means connecting said sources of differential voltage andsimilar phases to energize one of said amplifiers.

16. Apparatus for controlling a plurality of electric motor circuits ofa motor-driven device powered by a source of electric current carried bya pair of electric conductors, comprising the combination of, a firstvoltage divider electrically connected between said conductors, aplurality of switch mechanisms tapped to said first voltage divider at aseries of positions, respectively, along said first voltager divider toprovide a series of first current sources of successively lesserpredetermined voltages, a control conducting bar, first connecting meanselectrically connecting said switch mechanisms to said controlconducting bar for selectively supplying to said control conducting bara selected one of said current sources, a second voltage dividerelectrically connected between said conductors at a distance from `saidfirst voltage divider, a plurality of electric amplifiers tapped to saidsecond voltage divider at a series of positions, respectively, alongsaid second voltage divider to provide a series of second currentsources of successively lesser predetermined voltages, said amplifiersbeing arranged in a series each operable on a different voltage ofprogressively decreasing value in serial order corresponding with thesaid series of' predetermined voltages, second connecting meanselectrically connecting said amplifiers to said control conducting barto be connected thereby with the current source connected -to thecontrol conducting bar through saidswitch mechanism, a rectifierconnected in series with each of said amplifiers, respectively, betweensaid seeond voltage divider and said second connecting means, aplurality of normally closed electric contact mechanisms each connectedin said second connecting means between said amplifiers and eachcontrolled by energization of a preceding amplifier of said series ofamplifiers operable on the next greater voltage value, the successivefirst and second sources produced by said first and second voltagedividers, respectively, alternating in voltage values to provide avoltage differential between a source of one voltage divider and asource of the other voltage divider in the same serial position of orderin the respective series, said rectifiers being biased to prevent fiowof current through an associated amplifier in but a single direction,said amplifiers being selectively energized by the differential voltageresulting from closing a selected switch mechanism, amplifiers in saidseries operable on lesser predetermined voltage being disconnected fromsaid second connecting means by the opening of the normally closedcontact mechanism operated by the respective amplifier, precedingamplifiers in said series operable on greater predetermined voltagebeing unoperabie with reverse flow of current by the bias of therectifier connected to the respective preceding amplifier.

17. Apparatus for controlling a plurality of electric motor circuits ofa motor-driven device powered by a source of alternating current carriedby a pair of electric conductors, comprising the combination of, a firstvoltage divider electrically connected between said conductors, firstdiode means electrically connected in said first voltage divider toproduce pulsating direct current when a first of said conductors ispositive with respect to a second of said conductors, a plurality ofswitch mechanisms tapped to the first voltage divider at a series ofpositions, respectively, along said first voltage divider to provide aseries of first sources of said pulsating direct current havingsuccessively lesser predetermined voltages, a control conducting bar,first connecting means electrically connecting said switch mechanisms tosaid control conducting bar for selectively supplying to said controlconducting bar a selected one of said current sources, a second voltagedivider electrically connected between said conductors at a distancefrom said first voltage divider, second diode means electricallyconnected in said second voltage divider to produce pulsating directcurrent when said first conductor is positive with respect to saidsecond conductors, a plurality of electric amplifiers tapped to thesecond voltage divider at a series of positions, respectively, alongsaid second voltage divider to provide a series of second sources ofsaid pulsating direct current having successively lesser predeterminedvoltages, said amplifiers being arranged in a series each operable on adifferent voltage of progressively decreasing value in serial ordercorresponding with the said series of predetermined voltages, secondconnecting means electrically connecting said amplifiers to said controlconducting bar to be connected thereby with the current source connectedto the control conducting bar through said switch mechanisms, arectifier connected in series with each of said amplifiers,respectively, between said second voltage divider and saidsecondconnecting means, the successive first and second sources produced bysaid first and second voltage dividers, respectively, alternating involtage values to provide a voltage differential between a source of onevoltage divider and a source of the other voltage divider in the sameserial position of order in the respective series, said rectifiers beingbiased to prevent fiow of current through an associated amplifier in buta single direction, said amplifiers being selectively energized by thedifferential voltage resulting from closing a selected switch mechanism,preceding amplifiers in said series operable on greater predeterminedvoltage being unoperable by reverse fiow of current by the bias of theassociated rectier connected to the respective preceding amplifier.

18. The combination of first means for producing from alternatingcurrent energizing a pair of conductors leading to a motor circuit of anelectric motor-driven device a first source of pulsating direct currentof predetermined voltage less than the voltage of said alternatingcurrent, second means for producing from said alternating current asecond source of pulsating direct current of predetermined voltagedifferent in value from the predetermined voltage of said first sourceto produce a difierential voltage of a phase the same as the phase ofsaid first source, an electric relay electrically connected to saidsecond means, said relay being connected to said motor circuit forcontrolling the same, an electric switch electrically connected to saidfirst means for controlling the flow of said first source of pulsatingdirect current, a control conducting bar, first connecting meanselectrically connecting said switch to said control conducting bar,second connecting means electrically connecting said relay to saidcontrol conducting bar, at least one of said connecting means beingmovable along and in electrical engagement with said control conductingbar, said switch, upon being closed, said first connecting means, saidcontrol conducting bar, and said second connecting means electricallyconnecting said relay in series between said first means and said secondmeans to supply the differential voltage produced by said first andsecond sources to said relay to energize the same.

19. The combination of first means for producing from alternatingcurrent carried by a pair of conductors a plurality of first sources ofpulsating direct current each of a different predetermined voltage, saidfirst means including first voltage dividing means and first rectifyingmeans, second means for producing from said alternating current aplurality of second sources of pulsating direct current each of adifferent predetermined voltage, said second means including secondvoltage dividing means and second rectifying means, said first andsecond rectifying means being of opposite bias to produce said pulsatingdirect current by said first means in one phase and by said second meansin an opposite phase, a control bar for conducting said sources to aremote location, a plurality of switches electrically connected to saidfirst means and second means and to said control bar for impressing atone time a selected one only of said sources of said pluralities ofsources to said control bar, third means for producing from saidalternating current a third source of pulsating direct current of apredetermined voltage intermediate of the predetermined voltages of saidfirst sources, sai-d third means including voltage dividing means andrectifying means, fourth means for producing from said alternatingcurrent a plurality of fourth sources of pulsating direct current of apredetermined voltage intermediate of the predetermined voltages of saidthird sources, said fourth means including fourth voltage dividing meansand fourth rectifying means, said third and fourth rectifying meansbeing of opposite bias to produce said pulsating direct current by saidthird means in said one phase and by said fourth means in said oppositephase, a pair of relays electrically connected in parallel to said thirdmeans and to said control bar and a pair of relays electricallyconnected in parallel to said fourth means and to said control bar, thepredetermined voltage of said third source matched with thepredetermined voltages of said rst sources resulting in a plurality ofdierential voltages, the predetermined voltage of said fourth sourcematched with the predetermined voltages of said second sources resultingin a plurality of differential voltages, said relays being connected toan electrical circuit for controlling the same, the relays of each pairof relays being operable by a required differential voltage of thematched sources of the same phase impressed on the relays, a diodeconnected in series with each of said relays between said control barand the respective third means and fourth means to bias the current flowthrough each said relay, said diodes connected to the relays of eachpair of relays being oppositely biased to each other, the relays beingselectively operated by the matching with said switches of the sourceshaving a similar phase and having such predetermined voltages as toresult in the voltage differential required for operating the selectedrelay.

20. Apparatus for controlling an operation of an electrically-drivendevice disposed along a pair of electrical conductors adapted to beconnected to a source of alternating electric current for the driving ofsaid device, comprising in combination, a control conducting barextending alongside of said electrical conductors between spacedpositions, at least one of said positions bieng movable along saidcontrol conducting bar and of variable spacing from the other of saidpositions, a flrst voltage divider electrically connected between saidconductors, a first connection tapped to the first voltage divider toprovide current at a first degree of voltage, a second connectionderiving from said conductors a second degree of voltage, said first andsecond degrees of voltage differing from each other for providing avoltage differential, a direct current relay connected to control saidoperation of said device, first and second connecting means includingrectifying means electrically connecting said relay and said controlconducting bar in series with said first and second connections forsupplying pulsating direct current through said control conducting barto said relay to energize the same, at least one of said first andsecond connecting means including an electric collector movable alongsaid control conducting bar for accommodating the electrical connectionthrough said connecting means to variations in the spacing of saidspaced positions.

2l.v In a control apparatus for an electric motor of anelectrically-driven device disposed along a pair of electricalconductors adapted to supply alternating electric current to said motor,a first circuit electrically connected across said conductors, a secondcircuit electrically connected across said conductors, one of saidcircuits being movable along said conductors relative to the other ofsaid circuits, first voltage dividing means included in said rst circuitfor providing a first potential of a control voltage, second meansincluded in said second circuit for providing a second potential of acontrol voltage different from said first potential, electric amplifyingmeans connected to control circuits of said motor and operable on thedifferential voltage of said first and second potentials and included insaid second circuit in electrical connection with said second means,switch means included in said first circuit in electrical connectionwith said first voltage dividing means, a control conducting barextending along said pair of electrical conductors, first connectingmeans included in said first circuit for electrically connecting saidswitch means and said control conducting bar, and second connectingmeans included in said second circuit for electrically connecting saidamplifying means and said control conducting bar, the connecting meansincluded in said one of said circuits including an electric collectorelectrically engaging said control conducting bar for accommodating themovement of said one of said circuits along said conductors.

22. The combination of first means for producing from alternatingcurrent energizing a pair of conductors leading to motor circuits of anelectric motor-driven device a first source of current of predeterminedvoltage less than the voltage of said alternating current, second meansfor producing from said alternating current a second source of currentof predetermined voltage less than the voltage of said alternatingcurrent, third means for producing from said alternating current a thirdpredetermined voltage different in value from the predetermined voltageof said first source to produce a rst differential voltage, fourth meansfor producing from said alternating current a fourth predeterminedvoltage different in value from the predetermined voltage of said secondsource to produce a second differential voltage, a first electric relayelectrically connected to said third means, a second electric relayelectrically connected to said fourth means, said relays each beingconnected to a different one of said motor circuits for independentlycontrolling the same, a first electric switch electrically connected tosaid first means for controlling `the flow of said first source ofcurrent, a second electric switch electrically connected to said secondmeans for controlling the flow of said second source of current, acontrol conducting bar, first connecting means electrically connectingsaid first and second switches to said control conducting bar, secondconnecting means electrically connecting said first and second relays tosaid control conducting bar, at least one of said connecting means beingmovable along and in electrical engagement with said control conductingbar, said first switch, upon being closed, said first connecting means,said control conducting bar, and said second connecting meanselectrically connecting said first relay in series between said firstmeans and said third means to supply the first differential voltage tosaid first relay to energize `the same, said second switch upon beingclosed, said rst connecting means, said control conducting bar and saidsecond connecting means connecting said second relay in series betweensaid second means and said fourth means to supply the seconddifferentialvoltage to said second relay to energize the same, means toprevent said first differential voltage from energizing said secondelectric relay, and means to prevent said second differential voltagefrom energizing said first electric relay.

No references cited.

